Ogojiii Newsletter #18
Greetings
Just like that, we are starting the second quarter of 2024 and there continues to be a heaviness hanging over us all, with so many tragic events taking place across the world. Regardless of where one stands, it feels, to me, like something has got to give. What exactly, I am not sure. At the same time, we each have to keep moving, keep making things happen in our little corners of the physical realm. Hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and please do comment, email, share what is going on in your world. It will help us make the Ogojiii newsletter better.
Trend forecasting has always fascinated me. There is a skill to deciphering how a particular area or sector may shift in the future. 5 Art Trends To Expect in 2024 explores general trends, including, AI, which is all the world seems to be able to talk about these days, especially in relation to the creative sectors. 7 Predictions for 2024 by Art Index Africa's Jury focuses a bit more of Africa specific trends as does Contemporary African Art: Unveiling Vibrant Trends in 2024.
Africa has enough sunlight to power the world yet, according to a Africa Energy Indaba 2022 press release, "Africa only has 1% of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity while holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources." To change this there have been a number of initiatives, like architectural designer Eija Halil's Solar Link, a solar-powered architectural project in the Sahara desert, which was unveiled late last year. While this is a positive, from an African perspective, a concern is who will benefit from this. There's a solar project in Tunisia that has been developed to feed into the European power grid. There is an opportunity for Africans to develop projects, even on a smaller scale, that are for the benefit of the continent. The impact on the development of all sectors and communities across the continent is endless.
The world of art, design and architecture has often drawn inspiration from the continent, often without acknowledgement. It is nice to see that this is changing. What African architecture can teach the world.
"... although Africa has traditionally not been a major destination for serious art lovers, the continent is fast rising up the ranks" as detailed in A luxury travel trend to keep an eye on in Africa.
Luxury African fashion brands have been growing and establishing themselves beyond the borders of their respective countries. At the end of last year, it was announced that South African luxury brand MaXhosa would be opening a pop-ip shop in New York's SoHo district. And, the brand also made its debut at Paris Fashion Week this year with a couple of other African designers. How Luxury African fashion has wowed Europe's Catwalks.
If you enjoyed this edition of the Ogojiii newsletter, please do share with others who you feel would enjoy it as well. We look forward to your comments, input and contributions.
Till next time.
Kojo